She watched the cruiser turn at the corner.

Evelyn came across the yard carrying a pitcher of iced tea and two glasses.

She set them on the porch railing and slid her hands into her apron pockets.

“Have a drink before you decide anything else,” she said.

I drank.

The tea was much too sweet, and I finished it anyway.

Bell came down the steps with his notebook open.

“The caseworker called.